Boys’ High edge past Grammar

The Palmerston North Boys’ High School first XV put on a fine display of scrambling defence as they beat Auckland Grammar 22-17 in Auckland on Saturday.

After resting the starters in the midweek massacre at the hands of Australian tourists Scot’s School, the pressure was on the refreshed group to perform.

Against regular Auckland 1st XV contenders Grammar, they always had an uphill task.

And Boys’ High weren’t helped by a stuttering set piece. The scrum bent, but did not crack, while the lineout was completely broken.

Grammar put the pressure on with their confrontational style

and the front line of Boys’ High defence struggled to hold them.

That was when the scrambling defence of outside backs Reuben Love and Will Treder came to the fore. They were brave on defence, cutting down a number of positive moves.

Openside flanker Mackenzie Tansley showed good speed to the breakdown to ensure a number of those defensive efforts also resulted in turnovers.

Jacob Hewetson-talamaivao made a good impact on attack. He started at halfback and shifted to fullback later in the game.

James Stratton, fresh off a week in the Hurricanes’ setup, also put in a strong effort.

Without a strong platform up front, Boys’ High were forced to live off scraps and did a good job turning what little ball they had into points.

The side made just five visits to Grammar’s 22 and they came away with points four times.

Prop Michael Ioane, No 8 Michael Halatuituia and Hewetson-talamaivao all picked up tries.

The team heads into a camp next week before their first whitejersey match of the year against Francis Douglas Memorial College on May 3.